Field Service Technician III

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections.

About the role

As a Field Service Technician III, you will have overall responsibility for maintaining a highly reliable network of systems including the central office switch, carrier and transmission equipment, fiber electronics, business communication systems, and/or all other auxiliary equipment. This position is responsible for installation and maintenance of network infrastructure and circuits, as well as digital switch devices and cross connects. You will participate on project teams and may lead projects, demonstrating familiarity with a variety of telecommunications concepts, practices, and procedures.

This role includes installing, maintaining, and repairing telecommunications products that TDS sells and leases (Key Systems, PBX, Centrex Systems, and/or other business systems), as well as switching equipment including carrier, DSAs, remotes, and related transmission equipment. Services include but are not limited to Telephony, Video/CATV/DBS, Internet, and/or high-speed networks.

You will have direct, face-to-face contact with customers, proactively selling TDS services and products while identifying customer needs and providing communications solutions. This position requires exceeding customer expectations through extraordinary customer service, demonstrating TDS products, and seeking sales opportunities. Products and services include Local Service, Central Office Services, Structured Cabling, MAC (Moves, Adds, and Changes), Voice Mail, Audio and/or Video Conferencing, and Non-regulated CPE.

The Field Service Technician III may perform varied or additional duties to meet TDS demands, including duties of other Field Services Technician positions. Due to in-field support and on-call requirements, you must reside within a 60-minute driving distance from the Whitestown, Indiana warehouse located at: 1 N Main Street - Whitestown, IN 46075.

This position is eligible for a $2,500 sign-on bonus (payout terms apply).

Responsibilities

• Installs, troubleshoots, tests, splices, repairs, and maintains telephone equipment, general network equipment, customer premise equipment, Video/CATV/DBS, fiber optic/copper facilities, and/or other TDS products for new and existing customers.
• Installs, configures, maintains, and repairs PBX, Key Systems, Centrex Systems, business systems, fiber terminals, POTS, ISDN, DSL, T-1s, and/or DS3s (carriers, paging & wireless).
• Identifies location of defective cable using various test equipment and repairs buried, aerial, and/or customer cable.
• Locates cable and fiber in response to customer requests and/or construction needs. Pole climbing and operating construction equipment is required.
• Locates, identifies, and marks company underground and buried facilities to prevent damage.
• Keeps orderly log of all locate requests in our exchange area.
• Performs cable fault acceptance tests on newly constructed facilities.
• Installs, troubleshoots, tests, repairs, and maintains central office equipment including switch, operating software, and/or other auxiliary equipment.
• Maintains back-ups to the switch, voicemail, fiber optic terminals, etc.
• Updates manuals and provides functional support, answering questions about features and functions.
• Provides advanced troubleshooting support techniques and corrections.
• Responds to “trouble” dispatches.
• Provides high-level support for enhancing and maintaining record systems (cross connects, line groups, network elements, etc).
• Provides excellent customer service, proactively educates and sells TDS products and services to customers.
• Performs project management for the installation of systems and related functions as requested by the supervisor.

Requirements

• 2+ years technical telecommunications experience -OR- current/prior military service with honorable discharge.
• 1+ year of basic fiber optic and/or copper cable splicing and repair, installation and repair, or switch training.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must follow TDS attendance guidelines to meet business needs, including obligations to customers.
• Upon hire, must successfully complete customer-specific requirements, which may include a background check.
• Requires availability for on-call/standby responsibilities and may require occasional travel.
• Must be willing to work overtime as needed.
• Upon hire, must successfully pass all components of the Safety Course curriculum.
• Ability to maintain DOT (Department of Transportation) requirements for operating vehicles with a combined GVRW (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of >10,000 lbs.

Qualifications

• Understanding of telecommunication products and services: Inside Wiring/Cable, Internet/Intranet, Bonding & Grounding, Data & Computers/Transmission Concepts, Fiber Optic Transmission, Static Sensitive Equipment, Color Codes, Structured Wiring, Video/CATV/DBS Installation, Inventory Systems, Cable Locating, Battery Maintenance, Key Systems/PBX, Centrex, Switch Maintenance, Voicemail, Special Circuits, Fiber Terminals, Subscriber CXR Terminals, T-1s, ISPs, DSL, ISDN Voice & Data, Testing & Certifying Loops To Support Data, Voice, and/or Video, IP Telephony Systems/Applications, DSA, DSLAM/RAM, Connecting company testing, WAN/LAN/Data Networks, Switch Installations & Additions, and/or ATM Switches and Networks.
• Practical knowledge/experience with computer applications including databases, trouble/repair/dispatch systems, plant record systems, MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Explorer, and CD-ROMs.
• Ability to work and make decisions independently with little or no supervision.
• Demonstrated customer service and sales skills, as well as effective communications skills (verbal and written) for interaction with internal and external customers.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Physical requirements may include operation of heavy construction machinery (e.g., bucket truck, drop plow, backhoe), digging, lifting, climbing, occasional travel, and willingness to work overtime or various/swing shifts as business needs dictate.
• Must be able to operate vehicles with manual transmissions.

Benefits

We offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness.

• Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
  • Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
  • Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
  • Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
  • Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs
• Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • TDS Service Discounts
  • Education Assistance
  • Paid Volunteer Time
• All associates may participate in Associate Resource Groups designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development.

Pay

The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.

Pay Range: $27.62/Hr. - $41.42/Hr.